Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in Central Business District, New Orleans

Housed within the historic Cumberland Phone Building, this mid-range downtown NOLA hotel offers generously-sized, clean rooms with conveniences like free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and microwaves. With additions to the old-world structure -- such as a lovely rooftop pool and whirlpool, and a tower of more modern rooms -- and a terrific location, it's a solid value pick. Freebies like daily happy hours and hot breakfast sweeten the deal. However, older rooms are more dated and some smell of smoke.

Set in a landmark 1890s building in the Central Business District (and a three-minute walk from Bourbon Street), The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel is an elegant, upscale property offering 504 genteel rooms and suites with posh, old-world decor. Flat-screen TVs, minibars, plush robes, and Salvatore Ferragamo toiletries come standard. Suites add living rooms and huge bathrooms. There’s a high-end restaurant, an Italian eatery, a casual cafe, and the famous Sazerac Bar. A rooftop outdoor pool features a poolside bar. Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center and a luxe spa. Valet parking is available for a fee. The Ponchartrain Hotel in the Garden District offers similar upscale historic charm, plus an ultra hip nightlife scene, but there’s no pool, gym, or spa.

Set in nine former warehouse buildings on busy Magazine Street in the Central Business District, The Eliza Jane is an industrial-chic, journalism-themed, upper-middle-range hotel. It offers 196 stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, Keurig machines, and C.O. Bigelow toiletries. Suites feature comfortable and colorful living areas. The sprawling Press Room lobby bar serves coffee and cocktails, and offers plenty of indoor and outdoor lounge seating. Other amenities include the vintage-inspired Library lounge and a modern fitness center with Precor cardio machines and a Peloton bike. A French restaurant, Couvant, opened in the summer of 2018. There’s no pool or on-site self-parking. For a fun hotel closer to Bourbon Street, consider The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection, but note that the saints and sinners theme is not necessarily child-friendly.

This 197-room, mid-range hotel is located in the Carondelet Building -- noted as the first skyscraper in New Orleans -- and perfectly located for business and pleasure. Just a block or so from the French Quarter (Carondelet Street actually turns into Bourbon Street), guests are just steps from all the action but still slightly removed in the Central Business District. Guest rooms are especially large for the area and have high ceilings and terrific light from big windows (though there are heavy drapes if guests need to sleep off a night of partying). While there is no swimming pool, the free breakfast and fitness center are both quality perks.

The 479-room InterContinental New Orleans is an upscale high-rise hotel in the Central Business District, near the French Quarter’s nightlife, with 19 meeting spaces for conferences of up to 1,000 people and a 24-hour business center. On the 15th floor is a seasonal small pool (but no hot tub) and a modern 24-hour gym. Two stylish restaurants, with bars and poolside service, have Louisiana fare and there’s a market. Newly renovated rooms feature classic French-inspired furnishings, balconies overlooking the city in some, and some suites have kitchens. Travelers seeking an on-site hot tub and poolside bar may prefer the Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

The 202-room Omni Riverfront Hotel is an elegant, upscale property housed in a former rice mill in the Central Business District, within walking distance of the French Quarter and many attractions. Features include a chic restaurant and bar serving French fare, four meeting rooms, and a small but well-equipped fitness center. Modern rooms are tastefully appointed in soft neutrals, though in-room Wi-Fi is for a fee. Kids are well catered for with a bunch of freebies such as games and cookies. There's no pool, though; for that, consider the nearby Hilton New Orleans Riverside, which has two outdoor pools and a larger fitness center.

The 60-room Pelham Hotel is a mid-range property with traditional interiors and few frills, conveniently located within walking distance of the French Quarter. Rooms are pleasant and decorated with old fashioned details like four-poster-beds and reproductions of 18th-century paintings, along with modern comforts including flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. Though this modest property has limited amenities, there is a popular local restaurant adjacent to the hotel and many other dining options in the area. Travelers seeking something with more features might want to consider the nearby DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans, which has an outdoor pool and fitness center as well as a restaurant and cafe.

The 170-room Hyatt Place New Orleans/Convention Center is an upper-middle-range chain hotel located across the street from New Orleans’ main convention center. While those seeking a central location and historical experience will want to steer away from what is a fairly bland environment, the property is convenient for business travelers and tourists who don't mind a 20-minute commute to the French Quarter. Rooms are contemporary and attractive, if not quite memorable. The hotel has a sunlit cafe selling an assortment of light bites and beverages including cocktails and Starbucks coffee; it also offers an extensive hot breakfast that's included in the room rate. There's also a 24-hour fitness center and other conveniences like laundry facilities, meeting rooms, and a business center. Travelers seeking something similar, but with a more central French Quarter location, might want to consider the Hyatt French Quarter New Orleans instead. 

The 155-room Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans French Quarter/CBD is an upper-middle-range chain hotel that's within walking distance of the French Quarter and offers an array of extras including a lovely rooftop pool with great views over the city. Bright, cheerful interiors include a spacious lobby with cozy seating and a fireplace, as well as a casual restaurant and bar. Other conveniences include a fitness center and a small shop selling a sundry of snacks and microwaveable meals. Rooms are clean and pleasant, though decor is a bit bland and chain-like, and are outfitted with Keurig coffee machines, microwaves, mini-fridges, and free Wi-Fi. Travelers looking for something with more character will find many charming boutique hotels nearby, such as the Dauphine Orleans Hotel or the French Market Inn.

True to its name, this Courtyard property is a 10-minute walk from the famous French Quarter. Belonging to the Marriott chain, this mid-range hotel has 141 guest rooms spread over six floors; some with balconies overlooking the street below. The lobby is modern and bright, and the on-site amenities include free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, a fitness center, 24-hour convenience store, a Starbucks cafe, and a bistro in the lobby area. Expect to pay extra for breakfast and parking. Travelers may want to consider the nearby Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans, which offers free breakfast and a swimming pool.

Located within walking distance of the central business district, Embassy Suites New Orleans – Convention Center is an upper-middle-range hotel that wrapped up a top-to-bottom renovation of the property in 2015. Public spaces are bright and spotless, and the 370 guest rooms and suites have elegant, up-to-date interiors. Breakfast is free, as is the nightly manager’s reception with appetizers and drinks. Other notable facilities include Stacks Grilled Cheese and Bar, a heated outdoor pool, a well-equipped fitness center, and a 24-hour business center. However, Wi-Fi is free only for Hilton HHonors members, and the French Quarter is not in easy walking distance. The Windsor Court Hotel offers a much larger rooftop swimming pool and free Wi-Fi, closer to the French Quarter.

The 166-room Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans is an upper-middle-range chain hotel located in the downtown business district, within walking distance of the French Quarter. Though decor is a bit bland, the spacious and comfortable suites offer convenience for longer stays and are outfitted with small kitchens and separate living rooms. The hotel has an indoor pool as well as a small fitness center equipped with a handful of modern machines. Free breakfast and all-day coffee, in addition to a 24-hour minimart and coin-operated laundry, add to the amenities that make this property a good value. There are several other similar all-suite hotels nearby, such as the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson and the Staybridge Suites New Orleans French Qtr/Dwtn, so travelers should compare rates.

The Hilton New Orleans Riverside bills itself as a conference center for business travelers, but it feels more like a resort with its riverfront location and fantastic lineup of options for recreation, including indoor tennis courts, personal training, and Pilates classes (easily the most inclusive fitness offerings of any hotel in the city). The hotel's rooms are generic, but comfortable and contemporary. Note that there are fees for Wi-Fi, the fitness center, and the business center. But all in all, this is a fine pick for anyone wanting to explore the city -- the location on the Mississippi River, near the French Quarter, is excellent.

The Le Meridien New Orleans is an upscale hotel located in New Orlean's Central Business District, within walking distance of both the French Quarter and the Museum District. The 410 stylish rooms and suites are outfitted with comfortable beds, large work desks, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. In-room Wi-Fi incurs an extra fee, however, unless you’re a SPG Member. The outdoor rooftop pool is a guest favorite, with a large sundeck, padded loungers, and cabanas. The massive, trendy lobby is another popular spot, where coffee, wine, and small plates are served. Ample meeting facilities, a business center, and a well-equipped fitness center round out the amenities here. Travelers seeking something closer to the French Quarter might want to consider the comparable Hyatt French Quarter New Orleans.

The 182-room Staybridge Suites New Orleans French Qtr/Dwtn is an all-suite upper-middle-range chain property in the financial area of downtown that attracts both leisure and business travelers on extended stays. Decor is a bit bland and chain-like throughout, but rooms are large and well-equipped with kitchens that include full fridges, dishwashers, microwaves, and two-burner stoves. The property offers a free continental breakfast and coffee in the lobby throughout the day, as well as a free evening reception with food and drinks several times during the week. There's an outdoor pool and a fitness center, plus free laundry facilities. The prime location means that the hustle of the French Quarter is less than a 15-minute walk away, but travelers seeking a more central location should consider Grenoble House, another all-suite property.